SOP Sample for MSc Finance in the UK - Fresh Graduate Profile

Statement of Purpose

Business has evolved into an organism where money is its lifeblood and finances its nerve centre. The conventional view of finance focuses on its qualities of being reactive and efficient, keeping in mind potential risks. With the upsurge in quant-driven methodologies in the business world, it has become ever more pertinent to skill oneself with profound knowledge in advanced finance, analytical techniques and associated computing technology. India, like the rest of the world, is on the threshold of vast economic changes, as they fall out of the Covid pandemic. To be a part of this revolution, and make a meaningful contribution, I need to master the science of financial analysis and capital budgeting. I believe that if I channelize my skills, I will be able to augment my influence in this domain.

In many ways, I was fortunate that I needed to switch schools in my formative years. This had made me adaptable and familiar with diverse people and different ways of thinking. One of the schools that I studied in was [SCHOOL_NAME] where I stayed in the hostel. This made me learn how to be independent and do things for myself. Commerce appealed to me and I chose it for under graduation.

The all-encompassing curriculum laid a firm foundation of topics including financial accounting, business laws, taxation, financial reporting, marketing, entrepreneurship, and my best subject – Financial Management. Of all these subjects/courses, I found FM to be the most interesting and wanted to acquire deeper knowledge of the subject. In addition, Business Mathematics, Business Statistics and Economics added a significant quantitative element. I came to understand how a finance corporate functions, providing me with skills to analyse financial statements, calculate financial ratios on the basis of company reports, as well as learn the practical aspects of valuation techniques using financial modelling on Excel.

My internship was related to finance and accounting. Though it was for a short period of time, it proved to be invaluable as I learnt many things: maintaining inventory, bookkeeping system, etc. Because we were not specifically asked to do projects on finance, I took the initiative to volunteer at the Rotaract club of [CITY_NAME]. I helped in organizing blood donation camps to support an NGO, and collected 150 samples in the [CITY_NAME] area. Secondly, I did a workshop to sell eco-friendly Ganesha idols and they were sold at very reasonable prices. The money that we collected was given to an NGO for cancer treatment.

In my free time, I imbibed knowledge of the stock market. I made mock investments and tracked the shares that I had chosen over a period of a year. Hypothetically, I would have made a lot of money if I had done it in reality.

I am keen to pursue MSc in Finance because it blends finance theory with the apt use of financial concepts in the real world. The need of the hour is to keep abreast of the latest trends and upgrade one's knowledge constantly. I wish to carve my niche in this ever-evolving field by delving and learning more about it. I understand that the journey will be replete with challenges and I intend to equip myself with the required knowledge, skills and experiences before taking the plunge to use all that I have garnered in the real world.

Going ahead with my decision of pursuing an MSc in Finance, I did a lot of research. Out of numerous countries, I found that the UK is the most suitable destination for me. The culture, hospitality, technological advancements, job opportunities etc. are eminently conducive for my growth and development. Keen to study in such a delightful country, I wanted to know which the best universities are and discovered that [UNIVERSITY_NAME] is the right place for me to fulfil my aspirations.

When I perused your website, I was amazed by the curriculum and the renowned faculty. [UNIVERSITY_NAME]'s world-class infrastructure will help me bloom and become industry-ready. The program will surely help me to gain specialized knowledge in finance theory, financial markets, and finance theory. Plus, it will help me attain programming skills such as VBA, C++, etc. that are crucial in the competitive world of today's market scenario. After investing in the share market (virtually), I am interested in the Investment Management stream, which would teach me to develop investment portfolios and learn asset pricing. During my Master's, I wish to get advanced knowledge in portfolio analysis and investment, corporate finance, derivatives, and securities analysis.

[UNIVERSITY_NAME]'s ideal location, and with the high percentage of international students, I would be able to connect with and learn from different mindsets. Since I'm an international student and possess no work experience abroad, I also want to get week-long externships with the help of the university. My aim is to get an idea of how UK companies work and successfully manage their finances. I am a hard-working student possessing qualities of determination, commitment, and a need to excel. I will work industriously and will take the university's name to greater heights.

Having an undergraduate degree in Commerce, and MSc in Finance under my belt, I hope to eventually become a leading authority in Finance and become the CFO of a top-leading MNC. I want to use my accumulated knowledge to work in a Fortune 500 Company. This program would be the right platform for me to network with like-minded people, and to explore my potential to reach the pinnacle of my destiny.